Melbourne Airport's new pick-up and drop-off zones opened on Tuesday, 6 October, changing the airport run for passengers using Terminals 1, 2 and 3. The airport confirmed the T123 Transport Hub was in operation, while the ABC reported that the first passengers it spoke to described an easy transition to the new arrangements.
Drivers collecting or dropping off passengers now leave the Tullamarine Freeway earlier at Exit 19, Naarm Way, rather than following the familiar Terminal Drive approach. According to the airport's official route guide, free drop-off is on Level 3 of the T123 Transport Hub, with 74 spaces, while free private-car pick-up is at the rear of Level 2, with 115 spaces.
The two activities also differ for commercial transport. The airport says taxis and Uber vehicles dropping passengers at those three terminals use Level 3, alongside private cars. Passengers being collected by taxi, Uber or Skybus still go to the ground-level terminal forecourt, rather than the new private-car pick-up area.
A pedestrian bridge connects the hub to Terminal 2, the international terminal. The airport guide says the walk to Terminal 1, used for Qantas domestic flights, and Terminal 3, used for Virgin Australia domestic flights, is longer depending on the passenger's position in the hub. The ABC reported concerns about the extra walking distance for older travellers and people with mobility needs.
The airport's response includes its free Melbourne Airport Assist service, operated in partnership with Travellers Aid. Its opening-specific guide says the service is extending to 22 hours a day, from 3am to 1am. The ABC reported that buggies and wheelchairs were available on the first morning and that extra staff were helping travellers navigate the layout.
Initial passenger feedback was positive among those interviewed by the ABC, with some describing the new area as less hectic than the old arrangement. The broadcaster reported that the departures ramp closed the previous night after more than 50 years of use. Today's operational opening follows the September announcement of the move.
The facility, connecting walkway bridge and supporting road network cost $500 million, according to the ABC.
The relocation also makes room for international terminal works. In its announcement explaining the change, Melbourne Airport said closing the departures ramp would allow the international terminal footprint to extend into the forecourt, paving the way for $4.5 billion in privately funded expansion projects.
Passengers using Terminal 4 for Jetstar, Rex or Link Airways still head to the separate T4 Transport Hub, according to the airport guide. Drivers arriving early to collect someone can use the waiting zone off Mercer Drive, where the first 60 minutes are free. The airport says the normal route for people parking their car to catch a flight remains unchanged.
